Letter from Kabul March 2007

Greetings from Kabul,

I'm writing from the Afghans for Tomorrow guesthouse in Kabul, where for the past
week 8 adults have been sharing one bathroom. I can now hear the bathroom door open
from 100 yards and through walls, an evolutionary adaptation that would have amazed
Darwin. I have also been able to measure the relative utilization requirements of
the sexes. One woman is the equivalent of three men.

If I were to describe everything that I'm witnessing, it would take too long. I'll
touch upon some highlights. Last September I met with the leader of the shura
(governing council) of the Char Asiab district.He represents over 70,000 villagers,
3,000 of which live in Lalander. We didn't have much time to talk in September. I
have met with him three times now, once for lunch at his home. He is 100% supportive
of the work we are doing in Lalander, so much so that he has personally gone to the
village twice, to express his support.

One issue he has decided to address personally is the education of girls. While
enrollment has continued to grow since the school we funded opened in March 2005,
the ratio of boys to girls is still too high. We partially addressed this problem
this winter by providing four in home education courses for over 100 women and
girls. Enrolling the girls in the schools this Spring is a challenge.

Providing education to girls is a multifaceted challenge that is not easy to solve.
The assistance of the leader of the District's shura, will be of tremendous value
over time. We stand ready to provide the supplemental financial support that is
needed to provide additional educational opportunities for women.This is precisely
where I hoped we would be, in the back of the room, supporting Afghans who have
taken the lead. Bear in mind that the Taliban have, in southern Afghanistan,
destroyed schools,threatened and taken lives over this very issue.

On a brighter note we have been able to coordinate the appearance of an Afghan
children's traveling circus to perform at the village. This group, located in Kabul,
traveled to Japan last year, and will tour the United States next year. I have
agreed to coordinate their school appearances in the Bay Area.

Raymond Nemati, our Afghan friend from Concord, California, is arranging for
transportation, food, cooks, and every other detail.The circus is scheduled to "come
to town" on Friday, weather permitting. The weatherman predicts rain. The phrase "
the luck of the Afghans" is repeated often in Afghanistan, and not without cause.
Imagine the impact the appearance of 50 accomplished performers will have on a
village that faces such severe challenges.Laughter and hope will rule the day.

I'm leaving for appointments with other organizations, hoping that they may be able
to pitch in. I tell them I'm operating in "donor fatigue" land and that we would
appreciate any assistance they might provide. If organizations worked together,
sustainability could be achieved much sooner. Achieving sustainability should be
everyone's goal. It's certainly theirs.

Raymond remarked the other day, NGOs with "big money have small results". "Trust in
Education has little money and big results." With but a few notable exceptions, I
have reached the same conclusion myself. I wish I could adequately convey how much
impact your support is having. I can't. Someday you may be able to join us in
Afghanistan and experience the joy that even the smallest gift can bring.

Thank you for your continued support and interest,

Budd

ps When I return do not discuss or offer me rice and "Kabob" for at least six
months. Please!!!!!